| Mercury (Comet) Cyclone | |
|---|---|
 1971 Mercury Cyclone GT | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercury (Ford) |
| Model years | 1964–1971 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Muscle car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Mercury Comet Ford Fairlane Mercury Montego Ford Torino Talladega |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercury S-22 |
| Successor | Mercury Cougar XR-7 (indirect) |
The Mercury Cyclone is an automobile that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford from 1964 to 1971. Introduced in 1964 as the Mercury Comet Cyclone, the Cyclone replaced the S-22 as the performance-oriented version of the Mercury Comet model line. The Cyclone became a distinct nameplate for the 1968 model year, as the Mercury Montego was phased in to replace the Comet.[1]
Within Mercury, the Cyclone was positioned between the Cougar pony car and the Marquis/Marauder full-size two-doors. Though largely overshadowed by the Cougar, the Cyclone was positioned as a muscle car, representing the Mercury brand in racing as a clone of the Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt.
Four generations of the Cyclone were produced, with production ending after the 1971 model year. For the 1972 model year, the Cyclone returned as an option package for the Montego; only 30 examples were produced. Within the Mercury line, the Cyclone was not directly replaced. The Cougar XR7 was repackaged as a personal luxury version of the Montego for 1974.